Author Question: An older adult client with hyperthyroidism is not a candidate for surgery. Which treatment could be ... (Read 59 times)

jayhills49 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

An older adult client with hyperthyroidism is not a candidate for surgery. Which treatment could be used to quickly reduce the clinical manifestations that the client is experiencing as a result of the disorder?

A) Nothing, because there is little effect on the quality of life in older adults.
B) A partial thyroidectomy
C) The ingestion of radioactive sodium iodine, I131
D) A combination treatment with levothyroid (Synthroid) and amiodarone (Cordarone)

Question 2

The nurse, planning care for a client with Parkinson disease (PD), identifies which intervention as supporting mobility while providing the spouse with an activity that is beneficial for the client?

A) Suggest that the spouse use a blender to make foods easier for the client to swallow.
B) Review the medication administration schedule with the spouse.
C) Instruct the spouse to ambulate the client at least four times a day.
D) Instruct the spouse on proper turning and repositioning techniques.

lorealeza77 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: C

Hyperthyroidism in older clients is most often caused by Graves disease or toxic nodular goiter, which is diagnosed by subnormal or undetectable levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). The treatment of choice is the ingestion of radioactive iodine, which is picked up by the thyroid tissue and then destroys the tissue. This treatment avoids surgery, anesthesia, and hospitalization. Surgical removal is reserved for clients with symptoms too severe for treatment with radioactive iodine or nodules suspicious for malignancy. Treatment with levothyroid (Synthroid) would worsen symptoms, and amiodarone (Cordarone) is an antiarrhythmic drug that has induced hyperthyroidism in some clients. Older clients with hyperthyroidism seldom present with the classic symptoms seen in younger clients, but older clients may develop cardiac dysrhythmias, weight loss, fatigue, and apathy, and do require treatment. A partial thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure, for which the client is not a candidate.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: C

Since exercise fosters independence and self-esteem, the intervention that would support physical mobility while providing the spouse with an activity beneficial for the client would be to instruct the spouse to ambulate the client at least four times a day. Instructing on turning and repositioning techniques would not support physical mobility. Blending foods to aid with swallowing will not support physical mobility. Reviewing the medication administration schedule will not support physical mobility.